Meghan Markle is facing "a bit of a crisis" as she prepares to return to the UK for the first time in four years next month, according to royal commentator and author Ingrid Seward. The Duchess of Sussex will join her husband, Prince Harry, for a trip to Britain to attend the One Year To Go event for the Invictus Games in 2027, which will take place in Birmingham. Meghan last visited the UK in September 2022 for the late Queen's funeral.
Popularity Decline Since Royal Exit
Since the Sussexes stepped down as senior royals in 2020, Meghan's popularity in the UK has steadily decreased. Seward told the Mirror: "They need to come, or more accurately, Meghan needs to come. She really needs a bit of royal stardust sprinkled on her and her business if she wants it to succeed."
As Ever Brand Faces Challenges
Meghan launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in 2025, alongside her Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan. The brand sells products including flower sprinkles, jams, wine, biscuit mixes, and teas. While specific sales figures have not been officially released, it was reported earlier this year that the website saw 36% growth since October. However, recent reports claim that traffic on the business's website dipped in the first three months of this year, correlating with a similar slump in Meghan's popularity among Americans.
Seward added: "It could be a very good move for her business but it leaves her with a bit of a crisis because coming to a country where she is so disliked won't be easy."
Brand Spokesperson Denies Bankruptcy Fears
An insider close to Meghan and her brand dismissed reports of alleged "bankruptcy" fears regarding As Ever. A spokesperson told the Daily Express: "Recent claims suggesting that As Ever is facing financial difficulties or bankruptcy are entirely false and based on speculation rather than fact. As Ever continues to grow as an independent business, supported by a strong customer community and an exciting pipeline of future products."
Royal Connections Vital for Brand
Seward emphasized the symbiotic relationship between Meghan's business and her ties to the Royal Family: "The business and her relationships with the Royal Family are sort of symbiotic. Her branding is built on a Hollywood idea of royalty; it's regal by Hollywood standards. It's also a sort of influencer brand, so she needs to be an influencer with royal connections. She can't be that unless she has some sort of relationship, ideally a good one, with the Royal Family."
